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Could I have lupus?

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Lupus
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Posted 7/3/2007 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
For the past couple years, I have had odd symptoms. RASH, fatigue, irregular / no menstrual cycles, sleep disturbances, decreased lung function, shortness of breath, muscle cramps in lower legs. I saw the rheumologist for elevated ANA 1.640 speckled pattern, but all other tests where normal for Lupus. ANY suggestions.
Posted 7/3/2007 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi triplets. I don't know how much you have read about lupus, but there are some good resources in my signature. Just click on the link in my signature. Lupus is a really hard illness to diagnose because the symptoms are present in so many illnesses. It can also take a long time to progress and it can take a while for labs to reflect what is going on in your body. Unfortunately a lot of us have gone through several years of frustration of being sick without a diagnosis. What did the rheumatologist think? Your ANA is high enough and with the symptoms you are having, I would hope that they are going to keep trying to figure out what is goin on. Is the rheumy going to at least treat your symptoms? I do know how frustrating this can be, I have been there myself. I'm glad you are posting here because you are among people who truly understand. Please ask any other questions you have. Take care
Posted 7/3/2007 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
MY rheumologist said she wasn't sure what to think of my symptoms? I don't have another appointment with her. SHE said to call if I get worse. The tests to confirm lupus where negative, although she never told me the results. She also said, some people and families have a positive ANA's and are completely healthy.
NOT sure where to go from here?
Posted 7/3/2007 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi triplets,

I'm sorry, I'm sure you are going through much frustration. If you are having all of those symptoms, it doesn't sound to me like you are healthy. Lupus is not the only disease that can cause a positive ANA. Many other rheumatic diseases can cause this and your symptoms sound like they can be a number of connective tissue diseases. I would call her to see if you can get your blood tests and maybe see another doctor if just for a second opinion. I hope you aren't sick but if you are, you need the right treatment and care.

Take Care
Posted 7/3/2007 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi triplets,

What you are going through is familiar to most of us who have lupus or other autoimmune diseases. I know just how frustrated you must be. Hippi has given you some good resources. Lupus is so hard to diagnose because there isn't a blood test that will confirm it. It took three rheumys for me to finally get a diagnosis. I agree with Des that you should pick up a copy of your chart and make an appointment with another rheumatologist. It may take a few months to get an appointment with a new rheumy, but in the meantime, keep a journal of all of your symptoms whether or not you think they might be related to lupus. You may have had other symptoms in the past that you don't have now. Write it all down. The more information you can give your doctor, the easier their job will be. And take a list of every question you have and make sure your doctor is caring enough to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.

We are here to help you in any way that we can. There are some compassionate, knowledgeable people here and we all know what it's like to be in diagnosis limbo. It's almost the worst part of the disease because until you put a name to whatever you have, you can't start treating your disease.

I'm glad you're here and hope you'll feel free to vent and ask any questions that you have.

Pat
Posted 7/4/2007 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Good idea to get a second opinion.  LUpus and other AI diseases can be very difficult to diagnose.  You can be sick and not be able to get a diagnosis or have positive test results and feel OK.

Make sure you find a rheumy who is really experienced with lupus and other AI diseases.

Bill

Posted 12/12/2009 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
I have the same symptoms except for the rash. My doctor is checking me for Churg Strauss syndrome. Will know in a few days.

DCTexas
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